Businesses going mobile with ERP have two choices when it comes to mobile apps. One group relies on a stable internet connection to complete transactions (Web Apps). The other group, Native Apps, are apps that can record transactions regardless of internet connectivity. There is another category–hybrid apps. But hybrid apps are essentially web dependent apps too.
Between Web Apps and Native Apps, each has its advantages.
Web Apps for ERP
Advantages of Web Apps
- Web Apps usually reference the back office application, making the app easier to maintain
- Can likely run in any browser on any mobile device
- A smaller investment than native apps
- Easy to deploy, as you often only need a URL
Disadvantages of Web Apps
- Internet connections are not found everywhere
- Slower performance than native apps
- Tasks require more steps–not optimized for mobile process
- Often lacks an intuitive interface, making a poor user experience
Bottom line on ERP Web Apps
Web Apps are best for non-mission critical, non-customer facing business processes, performed where internet connectivity can be assured 99%+ percent of the time. A lower development cost comes at the price of ensured task completion, processing speed, and user experience.
Native Apps for ERP
Advantages of Native Apps
- Always available–not dependent upon an internet connection
- Faster processing than apps reliant on internet
- More intuitive interface creates superior user experience
- Native Apps integrate mobile specific tasks not available in ERP
- App updates are independent of updates to back office ERP
- Native Apps have full access to mobile OS features
- App store process assures device compatibility, and better assurance for quality and security
Disadvantage of Native Apps
- Must vet Mobile app developer for ERP integration experience
- More costly to develop
- Choice of OS by the developer may limit supported devices
Bottom line on Native Apps for ERP
Native apps are best for mission critical, customer facing business processes. They may cost more to develop, but offer the highest level of reliability, productivity, flexibility and customer experience
Success with mobile delivery and route selling apps have everything to do with user experience of the driver/rep. The experience the driver/rep has directly dictates the experience that the customer will have. And self-delivery is expensive. Which makes speed and reliability imperative. The more successful stops completed in one day, the higher the profitability–and the better the customer experience.
And that's why xkzero clients use Native Apps.